Seeks proposals for floating solar plant on Samanalawewa reservoir

Ceylon Electricity Board says it has called invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the construction of two 100 MW floating solar power plants in the water surface of Samanalawewa reservoir on least cost basis.

The Cabinet of Ministers in October granted approval for a proposal presented by Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, to invite project proposals for the establishment and operation of a floating photovoltaic solar power plant on the Samanalawewa reservoir, which falls under CEB’S purview.

It has been recognised that a floating solar photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of approximately 150-200 megawatts can be constructed on about 100 hectares of the Samanalawewa reservoir.

Generating solar power on the surface of reservoirs through floating solar power plants has been identified as a suitable solution for countries with limited land availability.

It has also been identified that there is significant potential for implementing solar power projects on reservoirs managed by the Ceylon Electricity Board and Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.

Sri Lanka plans to achieve 70 percent of its electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030.